OPEN COLUMN
Giving shooters attention guarantees future murders

Editor, the Tribune: After the Omaha, Neb., massacre, all of the silly, useless post-action comments have tumbled forth - "Why?" "so senseless," "troubled" - ad nauseam. In my view, the only way to prevent or minimize these tragedies lies in the lap of Big Media. The death wish of these maniacs always is to "go out in a blaze of glory," a wish always granted by reporters.

As I write this, I guarantee the next shooter is intently watching as photos and stories abound, ensuring the placement of this killer - who intently watched the coverage of previous slaughters - in the lowly pantheon of mass murderers.

I believe that if reporters banded together in taking a stand based on anonymity, lives could be saved. The shooter should only be referred to as such and always with a descriptor such as "pathetic" or "cowardly." His photo should never be shown. His family should be granted the isolation they - should - desire. In short, his history should be disposed of as quickly as a rotting opossum carcass found under a porch in July.

Attention focused on attempting to delve into the "why" of it all is worthless at best, stupid at worst. For a simple fellow such as me, it boils down to this: Give a nutcase a grand stage, and he damn sure will perform on it.

---

Steven Wise

3400 C.B. Lewis Road

---

Advertisement